Ryanair to bypass baggage hand handlers ?

At a news conference today, Ryanair's Michael O'Leary said that the airline was looking at the possibility of eliminating the need for baggage handlers by having passengers carry their own bags through airport security. The proposal envisages passengers leaving their bags at the bottom of the steps where Ryanair takeover and stow in the hold. On arrival passengers would collect their baggage at the bottom of the steps. The proposal sounds like O'Leary thinking out loud once again as an airline spokesman later clarified the position by stating that the airline would not pursue the idea if it jeopardised their quick turnaround times.

Michael O'Leary also confirmed today that the airline would reopen talks with both Airbus and Boeing later this summer on the next order for 200 to 300 aircraft. According to O'Leary both manufacturers are at the 'denial' phase of the negotiations based on previous form, whereby they claim that their order books are strong at present. "They know where we are", he said adding that Ryanair was about the only airline in the world with enough cash to buy planes.